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Microplastics of different characteristics are incorporated into the larval cases of the freshwater caddisfly Lepidostoma basale
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Researchers found that the freshwater caddisfly larva Lepidostoma basale actively incorporated microplastics of various sizes, shapes, and polymer types into its larval case alongside natural materials, representing a novel pathway of microplastic interaction beyond dietary ingestion in aquatic insects.
Plastic pollution is present in aquatic systems worldwide. While numerous studies have investigated microplastic interactions with marine organisms, microplastic effects on freshwater organisms, especially insects, have been rarely studied. Previous studies have mainly focused on dietary uptake of microplastics, but the presence of microplastics in animal constructions is largely unknown. To date, microplastics have only been observed in the tubes of a marine polychaete species. In freshwater systems, common caddisfly (Trichoptera) larvae build cases by using larval silk and mineral grains from benthic sediments, which are known microplastic sinks. Therefore, we examined caddisfly cases for microplastic presence. We collected caddisfly Lepidostoma basale cases in the field, disintegrated them using hydrogen peroxide, and determined microplastic polymer type through micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. We found primary and secondary microplastics of different shapes, colors, sizes and chemical compositions (e.g. poly propylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride). Thus, this is the first study to show that microplastics are present in the biological construction of a freshwater organism. Larval stages are usually more vulnerable than adult individuals, and microplastics can transport persistent organic pollutants and emit toxic leachates. In the caddisfly larval case, those substances are in close proximity to the sensitive larval body, which may be harmful for the larva and may eventually impede its development. We discuss the potential of caddisfly larval cases to act as microplastic bioindicators in freshwater habitats.
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Researchers exposed caddisfly and mayfly larvae to various microplastic polymers in laboratory experiments and found that caddisflies incorporated microplastics into their rebuilt cases and mayflies preferentially burrowed in microplastic substrates over natural ones. The study suggests that freshwater macroinvertebrates may not perceive microplastics as a direct threat, raising concerns about chronic exposure effects in heavily contaminated waterways.
Microplastic Footprint in the Larval Cases of Caddisflies (Trichoptera) for Tracing the Sources of Microplastics in Freshwater Bodies
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Scientists found that tiny aquatic insects called caddisflies unknowingly build microplastics into the protective cases they make, with some cases containing as many as 18 plastic bits. Since these insects are a key food source for fish and other wildlife, this discovery means microplastics are already entering the freshwater food chain, raising concerns about how these pollutants could eventually work their way up to the fish and water humans consume. The findings also offer a clever new tool: studying caddisfly cases could help scientists track down where plastic pollution is coming from in lakes and rivers.
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